Longevity: Starting with an infant's innate growth potential

Chapter 174 The Second-Rank Daoist Clerk Examination Begins

"I am Qin Ye, a fourth-rank official of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau."

"The assessment of first and second-rank Daoist officials of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau will begin after one incense stick's time. All cultivators participating in the assessment should enter their assessment positions."

"It begins at 9:00 AM and ends at 7:00 PM."

"No discussion is allowed before the assessment; everything must be done according to the rules of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau."

“Any cultivator who violates the regulations will be disqualified from the assessment and will no longer be allowed to participate in the Heavenly Crafts Bureau's assessments.”

"Everyone, be prepared."

At this point, eight judges appeared on the judging panel, including four instructors from the Taoist academy, as well as the academy's director, supervisor, and Instructor Hu.

The other four people beside them, dressed in black robes, appeared to be officials of the Heavenly Crafts Bureau.

Lu Yunxi was among them.

The person who spoke was the old man in black robes sitting next to Dean Zhong.

"The voice was clear and distinct, and it was accompanied by a divine sense. Just the cultivation of this divine sense alone must have reached at least the Golden Core stage."

Zhou Ling thought to himself.

Zhou Ling's divine sense has now reached the Foundation Establishment stage, so he can also feel that these simple words contain the wondrous uses of the divine soul, which has a deterrent effect on the cultivators in the assessment arena.

Of course, no one can cheat in this kind of assessment; under the watchful eyes of everyone, one's abilities are laid bare.

Then, Qin Ye continued to explain the assessment process.

Zhou Ling listened carefully for a while and quickly understood the rules.

This assessment was similar in format to the one Zhou Ling had previously undergone.

However, the examination for Daoist priests is much more difficult.

There are two assessments in total.

The first step mainly involves repair. Each participating technician can choose any damaged spiritual item from their storage bag to repair. The better the repair, the higher the score.

The second is refining. Based on their respective cultivation techniques, individuals choose the materials to refine, such as pills, formations, artifacts, and talismans.

Then each of them carried out the refining process.

The assessment period lasts for four hours.

After the assessment, the judges gave their scores on the spot and determined the rankings.

There are two criteria for judgment: the quality of the spiritual object refined by the cultivator and the specific power of the spiritual object.

Of course, a cultivator's cultivation level and other aspects will also be a scoring factor, but they account for a very small proportion.

For example, with Zhou Ling's cultivation level, the spiritual items he refines are of the same quality as those refined by Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Zhou Ling will definitely get a high score.

However, the assessment for the second-rank Daoist position requires not only cultivation skills but also keen eyesight and endurance.

This means that two artifacts must be crafted within four hours, which requires a high level of comprehensive ability from the cultivator.

In this situation, even if you fail the assessment, you can only blame yourself for not being capable enough.

However, after Zhao Zhouling stepped onto the assessment platform, he still discovered some unusual things.

"This assessment didn't assign a jade platform beforehand. Does that mean the technicians are going to have to choose their own jade platform?"

Zhou Ling glanced at the assessment platform, which was divided into dozens of separate areas by light shields.

There were at least sixty or seventy practitioners who participated in the second-rank Taoist examination.

With the emergence of [Intermediate Observation] and [Intermediate Analysis], Zhou Ling appeared, and the concentration of spiritual energy within each light shield was roughly the same.

However, the spiritual energy they contain differs; some have three attributes, while others have four.

Although it's just a simple difference, it still has some impact on a technician.

Of course, if one's cultivation level is strong enough, then it naturally doesn't matter.

However, the assessment will last for four hours, which will be a great test of spiritual power.

Choosing an assessment position that suits your attributes will definitely be helpful.

"Perhaps this is to test the technician's eyesight!"

Zhou Ling's gaze swept across the area, and through his [Intermediate Observation], he could clearly sense the fluctuations of spiritual energy within each light barrier.

Moreover, not only the spiritual energy, but also the earth fire within them is slightly different.

"Currently, my fire attribute spiritual power cultivation is the highest. If it were in the past, I would naturally choose the jade platform with the most concentrated fire attribute."

"But with the [Five Elements Gathering Spirit], choosing a jade platform with the five elements attributes is undoubtedly the most suitable for me, allowing my spiritual power to recover at five times the speed of others."

Needless to say, the assessment had already begun as soon as I stepped onto the assessment platform.

However, some masters haven't noticed this yet.

Of course, Zhou Ling's ability to discover this so quickly was also due to his [Intermediate Observation] and [Intermediate Analysis] skills.

Choosing the wrong option can be a significant pitfall for a mage.

"The Five Elements Jade Platform, that's it!"

Zhou Ling licked his lips, and as soon as Qin Zhizheng announced the start of the selection process for the jade platform, he immediately began to act.

While the other technicians were still deliberating, he walked straight toward the third jade platform on the south side of the examination platform.

Then, we went inside.

This place has the five elements, and the concentration of spiritual energy for each element is similar.

It was even more concentrated than in other areas.

He then took out his identity jade token and closed the light shield again.

Since there was still some time before the assessment began, the other technicians were still hesitating.

Most of them were Foundation Establishment cultivators, and there were even a few in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage.

The older ones are already over forty.

Most of them are very cautious.

Zhou Ling is not only younger, but also has a lower cultivation level.

This first entry into the jade platform drew the attention of the judges.

"This kid is only at the eighth level of Qi Refining, yet he's participating in the second-grade Daoist qualification assessment?"

Qin Zhizheng stroked his beard, a look of surprise on his face.

Although Xuan Yuan Dao Academy produces some exceptionally talented individuals every year.

But the disciple before them seemed to offer more astonishment than amazement.

My first thought was, "Has this little guy gone to the wrong place?"
Of course, he didn't mean to underestimate Zhou Ling.

Every cultivator who can pass the second-rank Daoist qualification examination is no ordinary person.

He asked Dean Zhong curiously, "Is this little guy a disciple of your academy?"

Dean Zhong nodded slightly and said, "This boy is named Zhou Ling, and he is the top Foundation Establishment seed in our Dao Academy."

"Although his cultivation level is not high, he has a good talent in inscription and is already able to refine second-tier inscriptions."

"At the eighth level of Qi Refining, to be able to refine a second-tier inscription, you are quite a talent!" Qin Zhizheng showed his appreciation.

"What a pity, this child only has a low-grade spiritual root!"

"I'm sorry," said Zhang Daojian, his tone quite regretful.

"A low-grade spiritual root!" Qin Zhizheng was slightly taken aback upon hearing this.

Such talent inscription is truly a pity if it's only a low-grade spiritual root.

"Although Zhou Ling has a low-grade spiritual root, he cultivates extremely diligently, and his progress in all aspects over the past year has been quite good!"

Instructor Hu said with a smile.

As Zhou Ling was his disciple, he naturally had to say a few words on his behalf, and also leave a good impression on Qin Zhizheng and the others.

Sure enough, Qin Zhizheng nodded. A rogue cultivator who could reach the eighth level of Qi Refining at the age of twelve.

Either they have an extraordinary stroke of luck, or they possess extraordinary comprehension and perseverance.

While the judges whispered among themselves on the judging panel, the others gradually selected their jade platforms on the second-rank assessment stage.

Afterwards, everyone sat cross-legged and meditated, circulating their energy to adapt to the spiritual energy within the light barrier.

[You are breathing in spiritual energy. Spiritual affinity +1, Five Elements attribute spiritual energy +5]

Feeling the surging spiritual energy within his body, Zhou Ling's face was filled with joy. This absorption speed, coupled with the [Restore to Original State] talent, was enough to make his spiritual energy absorption and recovery speed far surpass that of others.

······.

"Mother, why is Brother Ling at the second-rank assessment platform?"

Wang Xin, who had just arrived at the square and found a futon to sit on, saw Zhou Ling on the second-rank assessment platform and asked Wang Yu with a surprised look.

"Zhou Ling actually managed to pass the second-rank Daoist qualification assessment?" Wang Yu raised her eyebrows slightly, a look of doubt flashing in her eyes.

"With Zhou Ling's current cultivation level, if he follows the steps and completes the first-grade Daoist qualification assessment, he will be able to successfully establish his foundation next year or the year after. Then, when he participates in the second-grade Daoist qualification assessment, his chances of success will be much higher."

Wang Yu felt that Zhou Ling was moving a little too fast.

After all, he was only at the eighth level of Qi Refining.

It's already difficult to refine a second-tier inscription, let alone stand out from many powerful opponents.

"Mother, do you mean that Brother Ling will fail this time?"

Wang Xin blinked her large, bright eyes and asked with a hint of worry.

Looking at the other magicians around Zhou Ling, all of whom were Foundation Establishment cultivators, one can imagine how difficult this was.

"Xin'er, don't worry. With Zhou Ling's talent, even if he loses this time, he'll have another chance!"

Wang Yu said with a smile.

In her opinion, it would be extremely difficult for Zhou Ling to win this time.

However, Zhou Ling is still young, and there will be other opportunities in the future.

"Yes!" Wang Xin nodded, and soon a bright smile appeared on her beautiful face. "Brother Ling should win!"

Wang Yu could only smile and nod, knowing in her heart that even when facing a Golden Core cultivator, her daughter believed Zhou Ling could win.

······.

clang!
The ancient and melodious bells rang out.

"Everyone, the time for the assessment has arrived, and the assessment area is now closed."

Qin Zhizheng's voice echoed once again in the examination hall.

As the voice faded, the sealed test items on the jade platform were all activated.

Earth fire, sealed storage bags, spirit pens, spirit ink, etc.

"In the first round, there are three spiritual artifacts to choose from: alchemy furnace, spirit sword, and golden jade bell."

"The quality is actually all mid-grade second tier."

Zhou Ling took out the first storage bag from the assessment, which contained three spiritual artifacts.

His gaze swept quickly over the three magical artifacts.

"The Green Wood Alchemy Furnace is a mid-grade second-tier furnace. It contains a composite inscription of Green Wood and Fire, which is dim and unremarkable. Both of the main inscriptions, Green Wood and Fire, are quite damaged and will be difficult to repair."

"The Three-Colored Sword, a mid-grade second-tier sword, contains a three-ring sword inscription, which is of the metal element. The three rings are linked one after another, making it even more difficult to make than the Green Wood Alchemy Furnace."

"However, the damage mainly occurred at the nodes connecting the inscriptions."

"Golden Jade Bell, second-tier mid-grade, containing inscriptions of the three attributes of earth, water, and metal, among which the earth and water inscriptions are damaged."

Through [Intermediate Observation] and [Intermediate Analysis], Zhou Ling quickly discovered the damage to each of the three spiritual artifacts.

Zhou Ling compared them in his mind, noting that the characteristics of the damaged inscriptions on the three spiritual artifacts were different.

It would normally take a second-grade inscription master at least half an hour to completely find the damage to these three magical artifacts.

Moreover, this process will consume a significant amount of spiritual energy and divine consciousness.

However, Zhou Ling, with his two talents, easily found the flaws and even provided a solution with his [Intermediate Analysis] ability.

Zhou Ling's gaze swept back and forth between the three spiritual artifacts.

Taking into account the characteristics and attributes of these three spiritual artifacts, as well as his own strengths, he finally decided to repair the three-colored sword.

Given the current state of his spiritual energy, choosing the Green Wood Alchemy Furnace would undoubtedly be the best option.

However, with the [Five Elements Gathering Spirit] talent, even choosing a metal attribute imprint doesn't leave much of an impression.

Moreover, according to the assessment standards, after the three magical artifacts are repaired, in addition to their quality, their power will also be assessed.

Repairing this three-colored sword is quite difficult, but repairing the nodes mainly consumes divine sense.

With the help of the Spirit Flame, his efforts would undoubtedly be twice as effective.

Moreover, the three-colored sword has superimposed attribute imprints, and once repaired, its power is slightly greater than that of the other two spiritual weapons.

Based on the [Intermediate Analysis], Zhou Ling pondered for a moment and quickly decided to choose the three-colored spirit sword.

Zhou Lingxuan immediately moved the three-colored sword onto the jade platform.

"Five Elements Spiritual Flames, descend!"

Immediately, Zhou Ling activated the Five Elements Spiritual Flame, let out a soft shout, and the Five Elements Spiritual Flame condensed from his palm.

Then, it transformed into five-colored light and rose up, instantly enveloping the three-colored sword.

Zhou Ling did not rush to repair the five damaged nodes, but instead used the spiritual flame to unblock the connection between the inscription and the points.

This will also have an effect on the power unleashed by the subsequent inscriptions.

"This little guy made his move so quickly?"

"Not bad! Not bad! At the eighth level of Qi Refining, you've actually condensed a mid-grade second-tier spirit flame?"

"However, choosing the three-colored sword doesn't seem like a good option."

"With that speed, can he really see the damage to the spirit sword's inscription?"

······.

At this moment, while the other magicians were still focused on observing the condition of their respective spiritual objects, Zhou Ling had already begun to circulate the Five Elements Spiritual Flame for repair.

Therefore, it naturally attracted the attention of the judges and the audience.

People started discussing it, after all, Zhou Ling's cultivation level was the lowest, and the first round tested experience and eyesight, which were undoubtedly extremely rare for a twelve-year-old child.

However, Zhou Ling was the first to start, which made everyone present suspicious.

Many people believe that Zhou Ling was mostly just making assumptions.

Or, in some cases, the damage to the inscription may not even be found.

But at this moment, Zhou Ling was completely focused, and wisps of spiritual flame accompanied his divine sense as they began to merge into the inscription, giving him the air of a grandmaster.

"This little guy has such superb fire control skills!"

Qin Zhizheng praised.

Experts will know if there is one as soon as they take action.

From the way Zhou Ling controlled the spiritual flames, Qin Zhizheng knew that Zhou Ling's skill level was not low.

At this moment, Zhou Ling's technique for manipulating the spiritual flames was very sophisticated.

Among the five elemental flames, the metallic elemental flame is injected into the inscription, while the other four wisps of flame surround and envelop the inscription.

This shows that Zhou Ling's control over the spiritual flame has reached a very high and meticulous level.

This method of manipulating spiritual flames is known among magic users as the "Fire Splitting and Light Grabbing Technique".

It is an extremely difficult method to control spiritual flames.

The spirit flame in Zhou Ling's hand is a Five Elements Spirit Flame, which makes it even more difficult to obtain!

The assessment of Zhou Ling, who is only at the eighth level of Qi Refining, will be a great test of his cultivation.

But Zhou Ling dared to do this, clearly because he was prepared!

Qin Zhizheng watched Zhou Ling's technique with increasing admiration.

But he didn't know that at this moment, Zhou Ling was using the [Meticulous Detail] talent, so neither his spiritual flames nor his divine soul were being consumed much.

With his meticulous attention to detail, his energy expenditure was less than a quarter of what it should have been.

Even with a low cultivation level, when you calculate it this way, you're not actually at a disadvantage.

Of course, there were more than sixty technicians participating in the second-grade assessment this time, but only six places were available for admission.

Therefore, Zhou Ling aims to be among the top six.

There's still a good chance of repairing this three-colored sword and passing the next round of forging assessments if both reach the level of a mid-grade spiritual weapon.

(End of this chapter)